As part of the commemorations of the centenary of the death of Prince Albert I, the Monegasque Chess Federation is organizing the “Simultaneous Prince Albert I” in memory of the chess tournaments that took place in the Casino de Monte-Carlo from 1901 to 1904.
February 26th, Monte Carlo Casino Atrium
On February 26, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Atrium of the Monte-Carlo Casino, two champions, International Grand Master Pia CRAMLING and International Master Almira SKRIPCHENKO will face 32 young players, from the Cercle d’Echecs de Monte-Carlo and the young champions (U8 to U16) of the Alpes Maritimes.
Prince Albert I was aware of the influence brought by the noble game, the presence of prestigious champions and the interest of the public in these peaceful struggles. The Prince had awarded an artistic cup, in 1903, “the Prince’s Cup”, which rewarded the player who distinguished himself by the beauty of his games.
Echoing these historic elements, the Prince Albert I Cup will be awarded to Pia CRAMLING, who has made the Principality of Monaco shine through her results and her international commitment. Grand Master Pia CRAMLING won 8 European Women’s Club Cups with the Chess Circle of Monte-Carlo.
Pia Cramling
In 1982, Pia Ann Rosa-Della Cramling had become the fifth woman to earn the FIDE title of Grandmaster (GM). Since the early 1980s, she has been one of the strongest female players in the world as well as having been the highest rated woman in the FIDE World Rankings on three occasions.
Pia is well-known for wishing to see many more women in the game. And there are many more women playing now than when she was a kid, obviously inspired by her. And that is something at which Monaco excels – where the atmosphere at tournaments is electric with the strongest women in the world playing. Chess will become so much better if, mirroring Monaco, there are more women playing.
Women who are great international champions play for the Chess Circle in Monte Carlo and they have won the European Clubs Cup in chess time and time again, setting records.
We better get used to their names alongside Pia Cramling and the gold and silver medals they win (many more gold than silver). Monaco is a small country – where on earth are they going to store all those gold and silver medals. Here are the names of just some of the Principality’s chess heroines. Look out for these names in the future, including : Pia Cramling, of course, Anna Muzychuk, Monika Socko, Deimante Cornette and Almira Skipchenko.
Contact Information
cemc@libello.com +33650576354 Monte-Carlo Chess Circle
